La Rioja Alta 'Viña Ardanza' Reserva

The Ardanza is a blend: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Grenacha. Most Tempranillo comes from Viña Ardanza, 30 years old, in Fuenmayor; the Grenache is from the lower Rioja, from Ausejo and Tudelilla. The wine spends 36 months in American oak barriques; Famous, it is here because of the ½ bottle which is rare for Spanish wine.  They are a very well run company and are looking to the future with this bottle size.  Excellent wine for most dishes.  Light, Burgundian style. Bouquet of cedar, spice box, leather, forest floor, black cherry, and blackberry. This leads to a ripe, moderately dense wine with complex flavors and excellent balance.